Vehicle load floor assembly for a seatback

ABSTRACT

A vehicle load floor assembly includes a vehicle seat that has a seatback that pivots between upright and stowed positions. A cargo floor extends rearward from the seat. A first panel pivotally couples with a rear portion of the seatback and pivots to a raised position away from the seatback in the stowed position. A second panel couples with the first panel and is deployable rearward to engage the cargo floor with the first panel in the raised position to define a support surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a load floor assembly, morespecifically to a vehicle load floor assembly for a seatback.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is common for vehicles to include a cargo area behind a rear row ofseats within the vehicle. Typically, the cargo area is defined between afloor extending between the rear row of seats and a rear opening of thevehicle. In some instances, the rear row of seats may be collapsible toexpand the cargo area forward. Upon collapsing the seats, the floor ofthe cargo area may be uneven or otherwise unfit for supporting items orobjects that are preferably transported on a substantially flat surface.In addition, the cargo areas of some modern vehicles are becoming moreconstrained due to smaller vehicle sizes as well as restricted withadditional components such as batteries or fuel cells, which may causethe floor to have uneven, raised, or inconsistent surfaces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle load floorassembly includes a vehicle seat that has a seatback pivotal betweenupright and stowed positions. A cargo floor extends rearward from theseat. A first panel pivotally couples with a rear portion of theseatback and pivots to a raised position away from the seatback in thestowed position. A second panel couples with the first panel and isdeployable rearward to engage the cargo floor with the first panel inthe raised position to define a support surface.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a cargo area of avehicle includes a seatback that pivots between an upright position anda stowed position. A floor extends rearward from the seatback. A panelassembly is pivotally coupled with an upper portion of the seatback andis movable to a deployed position when the seatback is in the stowedposition. The panel assembly in the deployed position extends a supportsurface to the floor.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle loadfloor assembly includes a seatback that pivots forward to a stowedposition. A floor extends rearward from the seatback. A first panel hasa top edge that pivotally couples with a rear portion of the seatback. Asecond panel couples with the first panel and is deployable from abottom edge of the first panel with seatback in the stowed position toengage the floor.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a vehicle having a side door open toreveal a seatback of a rear row of seating in a forward stowed positionto expose a cargo area;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a rear opening of the vehicle,showing the cargo area and the seatbacks of the rear row of seating inthe forward stowed position;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the interior portion of the vehicle,showing the seatbacks of the rear row of seating in an upright position;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the interior portion of the vehicle,showing the seatbacks of the rear row of seats in the forward stowedposition and a panel assembly extending to a floor of the cargo area;

FIG. 5 is an exploded top perspective view of the load floor assembly;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the load floor assembly with theseatback in the upright position;

FIG. 6A is a schematic side elevational view of the load floor assembly,as shown in FIG. 6, having the panel assembly in a retained position;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the load floor assembly with theseatback in the forward stowed position;

FIG. 7A is a schematic side elevational view of the load floor assembly,as shown in FIG. 7, having the panel assembly in the retained position;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the load floor assembly having afirst panel of the panel assembly pivoted to a raised position and asecond panel of the panel assembly deployed rearward from the firstpanel;

FIG. 8A is a schematic side elevational view of the load floor assembly,as shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the load floor assembly showing thepanel assembly in a deployed position that extends a support surface tothe floor of the cargo area;

FIG. 9A is a schematic side elevational view of the load floor assembly,as shown in FIG. 9, having a third panel deployed rearward from thesecond panel to engage the floor;

FIG. 10 is an exploded top perspective view of an additional embodimentof the load floor assembly;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the additional embodiment of theload floor assembly, as shown in FIG. 10, with the seatback in theforward stowed position;

FIG. 11A is a schematic side elevational view of the additionalembodiment of the load floor assembly, as shown in FIG. 11, having apanel assembly in a retained position;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the additional embodiment of theload floor assembly, as shown in FIG. 10, positioned between theretained position and a deployed position;

FIG. 12A is a schematic side elevational view of the load floorassembly, as shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the additional embodiment of theload floor assembly, as shown in FIG. 10, in the deployed position;

FIG. 13A is a schematic side elevational view of the additionalembodiment of the load floor assembly as shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 14 is an exploded top perspective view of an yet additionalembodiment of the load floor assembly;

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the additional embodiment of theload floor assembly, as shown in FIG. 14, with the seatback in theupright position;

FIG. 15A is a schematic side elevational view of the additionalembodiment of the load floor assembly, as shown in FIG. 15, having apanel assembly in a retained position;

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the additional embodiment of theload floor assembly, as shown in FIG. 14, with the seatback in theforward stowed position;

FIG. 16A is a schematic side elevational view of the additionalembodiment of the load floor assembly, as shown in FIG. 16, having thepanel assembly in the retained position;

FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of the additional embodiment of theload floor assembly, as shown in FIG. 14, positioned between theretained position and a deployed position;

FIG. 17A is a schematic side elevational view of the load floorassembly, as shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of the additional embodiment of theload floor assembly, as shown in FIG. 14, in the deployed position; and

FIG. 18A is a schematic side elevational view of the additionalembodiment of the load floor assembly as shown in FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, itis to be understood that the invention may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

Referring to FIGS. 1-18A, reference numeral 10 generally designates avehicle load floor assembly that includes a vehicle seat 12 having aseatback 14 that pivots between an upright position 16 and a stowedposition 18. A floor 20 extends rearward from the seat 12. A panelassembly 22 is pivotally coupled with an upper portion 24 of theseatback 14. The panel assembly 22 is movable to a deployed position 26that extends a support surface 28 to the floor 20 when the seatback 14is in the stowed position 18.

Referring now to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a rear section 30of the vehicle is shown with a passenger side door 32 in an openposition 34 revealing a rear side door opening 36. In the illustratedembodiment, the vehicle is shown having a rear row of seating 38adjacent the rear side door opening 36. It is contemplated that othervehicle types with various seating arrangements may be incorporated withthe load floor assembly 10, as described herein, such as a sport utilityvehicle that has a third row rearward the rear side door opening 36, apassenger van having a single sliding door opening and a number of rowsof seating, or other conceivable vehicles with alternative seatingarrangements from those illustrated. In the illustrated embodiments, therear row of seating 38 includes a 60/40 division, such that the rear rowof seating 38 has a first seatback 40 and a second seatback 42 disposedlaterally adjacent to each other. Accordingly, the first seatback 40occupies generally forty percent of the rear row of seating 38 and thesecond seatback 42 occupies generally sixty percent of the rear row ofseating, 38 providing seating for one and two occupants, respectively,totaling three occupants in the rear row of seating 38. However it iscontemplated that the rear row of seating 38 may include alternativeproportional divisions between the first and second setbacks toaccommodate various quantities of passengers, such as having twoindividual bucket seats to each accommodate a single occupant, similarto a forward row of seating 44 (FIG. 2).

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the first and second seatbacks 40, 42are each independently pivotal between the upright position 16 and theforward stowed position 18, pivoting about a pivotal connection 46between the respective seatback 14 and a seat portion 48 of the vehicleseats 12. The seat portions 48 of each vehicle seat 12 is positionedrearward a foot well 50 that is located between the rear row of seating38 and the front row of seating (FIG. 2). The first seatback 40 of therear row of seating 38 is shown in the forward stowed position 18,positioning a head restraint 52 that is coupled with the upper portionof the first seatback 40 within the foot well 50. The second seatback 42is shown in the upright position 16 and two head restraints 52 aresimilarly coupled with the upper portion of the second seatback 42. Thefirst and second seatbacks 40, 42 include a first panel assembly 54 anda second panel assembly 56, respectively, pivotally coupled with theupper portion of the seatbacks 14. The second panel assembly 56 is shownin a retained position 58 or stored position, aligned with a rearsurface 60 of the second seatback 42. The first panel assembly 54 isshown in a deployed position 26 extending a rigid support surface 28 tothe floor 20 of a cargo area 62 of the vehicle that spans rearward fromthe seatbacks 14 to a rear opening 64 of the vehicle. In the illustratedembodiment, the rear opening 64 is enclosed with a hatch door 66. It isalso contemplated that the rear opening 64 may be alternatively enclosedwith a trunk, a pair of vertical doors, or other conceivable rearopening 64 enclosures, as generally understood by one having skill inthe art.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first and second seatbacks 40, 42 of the rearrow of seating 38 are in the forward stowed position 18 and thecorresponding first and second panel assemblies 54, 56 are in theretained position 58, providing an uneven surface between the floor 20of the cargo area 62 and the rear surface 60 of the seatbacks 14. Thefloor 20 of the cargo area 62 includes a forward region 68 proximate therear row of seating 38 having an elevated portion 70 with a generallyhorizontal top surface 72 that is elevated above the seatbacks 14 in thestowed position 18. A rearward region 74 of the cargo floor 20 isdisposed proximate the rear opening 64 and has a lower horizontalsurface 76 than the elevated portion 70 of the forward region 68. Thecargo area 62 is further defined by a substantially vertical meshcurtain 78 that extends from the rearward region 74 of the cargo floor20 to the top surface of the elevated portion 70. Similarly, asubstantially vertical front wall 80 (FIG. 6) extends downward from aforward edge 82 of the elevated portion 70 proximate the rear row ofseating 38, as described in more detail below. The elevated portion 70is configured to support various cargo items and is adapted to conceal abattery used for operating the vehicle. It is also conceivable that theelevated portion 70 may additionally or alternatively be adapted toconceal a spare tire, a storage compartment, and other commonlyconcealed vehicle components. It is also conceivable that the lowersurface of the rearward region 74 of the cargo floor 20 may be alteredfrom the illustrated embodiment to extend forward to occupy more of thecargo floor 20, and additionally, it is contemplated that the cargo area62 may alternatively include a more elevated portion 70 in the rearwardregion 74 that is elevated above the forward region 68.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-4, the front row of seating 44 is disposedforward the rear row of seating 38 and includes a driver seat 84 and apassenger seat 86, as generally understood in the art. As shown in FIG.3, the first and second seatbacks 40, 42 of the rear row of seating 38are in the upright position 16. Also, the first and second panelassemblies 54, 56 on the respective first and second seatbacks 40, 42are shown in the retained position 58 and secured to the rear surface 60of the respective seatback 14, in the illustrated embodiment. The firstand second panel assemblies 54, 56, as shown, each include a first panel88 pivotally coupled with the rear surface 60 of the respective seatback14 (FIG. 1) and that extend laterally between an outboard edge 90 of theseatback 14 and an inboard edge 92 of the respective seatback 14.Accordingly, the first panels of the first and second seatbacks 40, 42together span substantially laterally across the rear row of seating 38.As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the first and secondseatbacks 40, 42 are moved to the stowed positions 18 and the panelassembly 22 is deployed rearward over a lower portion 94 of the seatback14 to engage the floor 20 of the cargo area 62, defining the supportsurface 28 configured to support at least one cargo item. Morespecifically, in the illustrated embodiment, a second panel 96 isdeployed rearward from each of the first panels and a third panel 98 isdeployed rearward from each of the second panels 96 to engage the floor20 of the cargo area 62. It is conceivable that the panel assemblies mayinclude more or fewer individual panels to span between the respectiveseatback 14 and the floor 20 of the cargo area 62. Further, it iscontemplated that the panel assemblies may alternatively deployrearward, as described in more detail below.

One embodiment of the panel assembly 22, as illustrated in FIG. 5,includes the first, second, and third panels 88, 96, 98, separated forpurposes of description. The illustrated panel assembly 22 slidablyinterconnects the first, second, and third panels 88, 96, 98 to allowthe panel assembly 22 to move between the retained and deployedpositions 58, 26 shown in FIGS. 3-4. The first panel has a generallyplanar upper surface 100 that extends longitudinally between a frontedge 102 of the first panel, corresponding with a forward end 104 of thepanel assembly 22 and a rear edge 106 of the first panel. The firstpanel also spans laterally between the generally linear side edges 108.The first panel also includes lateral sidewalls 110 that extend downwardfrom the linear side edges 108 that laterally border the upper surface100. A pivot pin 112 extends outward from each of the lateral sidewalls110 proximate the forward end 104 of the panel assembly 108. The pivotpins 112 are coaxially aligned with each other and are each configuredto pivotally couple with a bracket 114 that has a rotation aperture 116adapted to receive the pivot pin 112. The rotation apertures 116 of thebrackets 114 facilitate the pivotal engagement between the first paneland the upper portion 24 of the seatback 14. It is also contemplated thevarious alternative pivotal couplings may be employed between the firstpanel and the seatback 14 proximate the forward end 104 of the panelassembly, as generally understood by one having ordinary skill in theart.

As further shown in FIG. 5, the first panel includes a hollow interiorportion 118 that is partially defined between the lateral sidewalls 110that extend down from the side edges 108 of the upper surface 134 of thefirst panel. A channel 120 is formed on an interior surface 122 of eachof the lateral sidewalls 110, as illustrated in dashed lines. Thechannel 120 has a generally linear portion 124 extending rearward fromthe forward end 104 of the panel assembly and a curved portion 126proximate the rear edge 106. The curved portion 126 extends rearward anddownward from the upper surface 100 to transition into alignment withand to connect with the linear portion 124 of the channel 120. Thesecond panel 96 has a substantially similar construction to the firstpanel, but includes a narrower width between the side edges 108 of theupper surface 134 of the second panel 96, such that the second panel 96may fit within the interior portion 118 of the first panel. In addition,the second panel 96 includes an attachment feature 128 that protrudesoutward from each of the lateral sidewalls 110 proximate a forward edge132 of the upper surface 134. The attachment features 128 are configuredto slideably engage the channels 120 of the first panel, such that thesecond panel 96 may slide along the channels 120 from the deployedposition 26 to a concealed position entirely within the interior portion118 of the first panel. It is conceivable that the second panel 96 maynot be entirely concealed, and additionally the second panel 96 mayslideably engage an exterior portion or other alternative slidingfeatures on the first panel.

Still referring to FIG. 5, the third panel 98 includes lateral flanges136 that extend down from the side edges 138 of the upper surface 140 ofthe third panel 98 and taper in height from the front edge 142 of thethird panel 98 to the rearward end of the panel assembly. The thirdpanel 98 also includes attachment features 144 protruding outward fromthe lateral flanges 136 proximate the front edge 142. Similarly, theattachment features 128 on the third panel 98 slidably engage thechannels 146 on the interior surface 148 of the lateral sidewalls 130 ofthe second panel 96 to allow the third panel 98 to slide on the channels146 entirely within the hollow interior portion 148 of the second panel96, as described in more detail below. It is contemplated that thechannels 146 may be alternatively shaped and that alternative slidingfeatures from the channels 120, 146 and attachment features 128, 144 maybe employed between the first and second panels 88, 96 and the secondand third panels 96, 98, such as a track assembly, a pneumatic actuator,or other alternative sliding features.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-6A, the first seatback 40 is shown in theforward stowed position and the second seatback 42 is in the uprightposition 16, in close proximity with the front wall 80 of the forwardregion 68 of the cargo area 62. As also shown, the panel assembly 22 isin the retained position 58, whereby the second and third panels, 96, 98are slidably engaged and concealed within the interior portion 118 ofthe first panel, whereby the third panel 98 is slidably engaged withinthe interior portion 148 of the second panel 96. In the retainedposition 58, the panel assembly 22 is secured in alignment with the rearsurface 60 of the seatback 14 and is elevated above the forward region68 of the cargo floor 20. It is contemplated that the panel assembly 22may be secured with a retention feature, such as a strap, a magneticarrangement, a mechanical fastener, or other conceivable retentionfeatures. It is also contemplated that the upright position 16 of theseatback 14 as shown may include other substantially uprightorientations or angles of the seatback 14 relative to the seat, such asa slightly more reclined angle or a substantially more upright anglerelative to the seat portion 48 of the rear row of seating 38.

In operation of the load floor assembly 10 from the seatback 14 in theupright position 16, the seatback 14 is pivoted about the pivotalconnection 46 with the seat portion 48 to the forward stowed position18, as shown in FIGS. 7-7A. In the forward stowed position 18, a backsupport surface of the seatback 14 is in generally abutting contact witha seat surface of the seat portion 48. Initially, upon moving theseatback 14 to the forward stowed position 18, the panel assemblyremains in the stored position in abutting contact with the rear surface60 of the seatback 14. Before deploying the load panel assembly from thestored position 58, any retention feature securing the panel assembly tothe rear surface 60 of the seatback 14 are disengaged. It is alsocontemplated that the forward stowed position 18 of the seatback 14 mayinclude other forward pivoted orientations or angles of the seatback 14relative to the seat, such as a slightly more upward or downward anglerelative to the seat portion 48.

The embodiment of the panel assembly, as illustrated in FIGS. 8-8A, ispartially deployed rearward. As such, the first panel 88 is pivotallyraised away from the rear surface 60 of the seatback 14, pivoting aboutthe pivot pins 112 residing in rotational engagement with the rotationapertures 116 of the brackets 114. Further, the second panel 96 of thepanel assembly is slid out from the interior portion of the first panel.More specifically, the attachment features are slid rearward within thechannels 120 on the opposing interior surfaces 122 of the lateralsidewalls 110. As the attachment features are slid onto the curvedportion 126 of the channels 120, the second panel 96 is raised relativeto the first panel to place the upper surface of the second panel 96 inplanar alignment with the upper surface of the first panel. A distal end150 of the channel 120 retains the attachment feature from disengagingfrom the channel 120 and prevents the second panel 96 from beingentirely removed and separated from the first panel. It is conceivablethat the longitudinal length of the either or both of the first andsecond panels 88, 96 may be lengthened to allow the second panel 96 toengage the floor 20 of the cargo area 62.

As shown in FIGS. 9-9A, the panel assembly of the illustrated embodimentis deployed rearward and engaged with the cargo floor 20 to define thesupport surface 28. To complete the engagement, the third panel 98 ofthe panel assembly is slid out from the interior portion 148 of thesecond panel 96. The rear edge 156 of the third panel 98 includes a pulltab 152 comprised of a fabric material to facilitate deploying the panelassembly rearward. Upon sliding the third panel 98 rearward, theattachment features 144 of the third panel 98 slide rearward within thechannels 146 on the opposing interior surfaces of the lateral sidewalls130 of the second panel 96. A distal end 150 of the channels 146 on thesecond panel 96 similarly retain the attachment feature 144 on the thirdpanel 98 from disengaging from the channel 146 and prevents the thirdpanel 98 from being entirely removed and separated from the second panel96. The curved portion 158 of the channels 144 on the second panel 96also similarly raises the third panel 98 and places the upper surface140 in substantially planar alignment with the upper surface 134 of thesecond panel 96. In addition, the rearward edge 156 of the third panel98 engages and is supported by a ledge member 154 that is coupled withthe front wall 80 of the cargo area 62. The ledge member 154 is coupleda distance below the top surface 72 of the elevated portion 70 of thecargo floor 20 substantially equivalent to the thickness of the rearedge 156 of the third panel 98, such that the upper surface 140 of thethird panel 98 is in generally planar alignment with the top surface 72of the cargo floor 20. Accordingly, the support surface 28 defined bythe aligned upper surfaces of the first, second, and third panels 88,96, 98 is placed in planar alignment with the top surface 72 of thecargo floor 20 to provide a substantially flat surface to support anobject that is preferably carried on such a flat surface, and to supportother types of objects.

Referring now to FIG. 10, an additional embodiment of the load floorassembly 10 includes a panel assembly 200, having a first panel 201, asecond panel 202, and a third panel 204 that are aligned to engage in afolding arrangement for moving between a retained position 206 (FIG. 11)and a deployed position 208 (FIG. 13). The first, second, and thirdpanels 201, 202, 204 of the illustrated additional embodiment aresubstantially rigid and do not include an interior portion for storingthe other panels. However, the first panel includes a planar uppersurface 210 having lateral sidewalls 212 extending down from theopposing lateral edges 214 of the upper surface 210. The sidewalls 212each include a pivot pin 216 extending orthogonally outward from thesidewalls 212 proximate the forward edge 218 of the first panel. Thepivot pins 216 are coaxially aligned with each other and are eachconfigured to pivotally couple with a bracket 220 that has a rotationaperture 222 adapted to receive the pivot pin 216. The rotationapertures 222 of the brackets 220 facilitate the pivotal engagementbetween the first panel and the upper portion 24 of the seatback 14. Itis contemplated the various alternative pivotal couplings may beemployed between the first panel and the seatback 14, as generallyunderstood by one having ordinary skill in the art.

As further illustrated in FIG. 10, the second panel 202 has asubstantially similar size to the first panel and includes an uppersurface 224 that, in the illustrated exploded stored positionarrangement, is aligned to abut the upper surface 210 of the firstpanel. A first pair of hinges 226 is couple between the upper surfaces224 of the first and second panels 201, 202 to provide a lateral pivotaxis between the first and second panels 201, 202 proximate the uppersurfaces 224. Accordingly, in the retained position 206, the first andsecond panels 201, 202 of the illustrated embodiment pivot toward eachother to engage upper surfaces 210, 224. A second pair of hinges 228 iscoupled between a bottom surface 230 of the second panel 202 and abottom surface 232 of the third panel 204, proximate a rearward edge 234of the second panel 202 and a rearward edge 236 of the third panel 204.Therefore, the bottom surfaces 230 of the second and third panels 202,204 are configured to pivot toward each other with the panel assembly inthe retained position 206. In addition, two sets of couplings 238 aredisposed on the bottom surfaces 230 of the first and second panels 201,202. The couplings 238 each include a connecting portion 240 thatremovably engages a corresponding connecting portion 240, such as amagnetic attachment. As such, the couplings 238 on a rear edge 242 ofthe first panel are aligned to engage the couplings 238 on the forwardedge 235 of the second panel 202 when the panel assembly moves to thedeployed position 208. The couplings 238 are arranged to provide supportbetween the first and second panels 201, 202 and to maintain the panelsin substantially planar alignment in the deployed position 208. It iscontemplated that the couplings 238 may be alternatively arranged, suchas being contained within an edge portion 240 of the panels.

As illustrated in FIGS. 11-11A, the additional embodiment of the loadfloor assembly 10 is shown with the panel assembly 200 in the storedposition and the seatback 14 in the forward stowed position 18. Thepanel assembly 200 is in the stored position in abutting contact withthe rear surface 60 of the seatback 14 and includes a retention feature242 securing the panel assembly to the rear surface 60 of the seatback14. The retention feature is a nylon strap 242 that extends from therear surface 60 of the seatback 14 and connects across the upper surface246 of the third panel 204 to hold the panel assembly against theseatback 14. The strap 242 includes a clasp assembly 244 that detachablycouples the retention feature 242.

The additional embodiment of the panel assembly 200, as shown in FIGS.12-12A, is partially deployed rearward. As shown, the first panel ispivotally raised away from the rear surface 60 of the seatback 14. Also,the second panel 202 is pivoted about the first pair of hinges 226 awayfrom the first panel, which disengages the upper surfaces of the firstand second panels 201, 202. Further, the third panel 204 pivots awayfrom the second panel 202 about the second pair of hinges 228disengaging the bottom surfaces of the second and third panels 202, 204.It is contemplated that in operation, the user may raise the third panel204 to raise the first and second panels 201, 202 to the positionsillustrated in FIGS. 12-12A. It is also contemplated that user maymanipulate the first and second panels 201, 202 in addition to the thirdpanel 204 to move the panels out of the stored position (FIGS. 11-11A).

As shown in FIGS. 13-13A, the additional embodiment of the panelassembly 200 is deployed rearward and engaged with the cargo floor 20 todefine the support surface 28. To complete the engagement, the secondpanel 202 is pivoted further away from the first panel and the thirdpanel 204 is pivoted further away from the second panel 202, placing thefirst, second, and third panels 201, 202, 204 in substantially linearalignment. More specifically, the upper surfaces of the first, second,and third panels 201, 202, 204 are placed in generally planar alignmentand are in generally planar alignment with the top surface of the cargofloor 20. The first pair of hinges 226 are arranged on the upper surfaceand accordingly do not vertically support the first or second panel 201,202 in planar alignment. Therefore, the two sets of couplings 238 engagebetween the bottom surfaces 230 of the first and second panels 201, 202to provide horizontal support to the first and second panels 201, 202.

As also illustrated in the additional embodiment of the panel assembly200 shown in FIGS. 13-13A, the rear edge 260 of the third panel 204engages and is supported by the ledge member 154 that is coupled withthe front wall 80 of the cargo area 62. Again, the ledge member 154 iscoupled at a distance below the top surface of the elevated portion 70of the cargo floor 20 substantially equivalent to the thickness of thethird panel 204, such that the upper surface of the third panel 204 isin generally planar alignment with the top surface of the cargo floor20. Accordingly, the support surface 28 in the additional embodiment isdefined by the aligned upper surfaces of the first, second, and thirdpanels 201, 202, 204. The support surface 28 is placed in planaralignment with the top surface of the cargo floor 20 to provide asubstantially flat surface to support an object that is preferablycarried on such a flat surface and to support other types of objects. Itis contemplated that the additional embodiment of the panel assembly 200may also be varied to include more or fewer panels to engage the floor20 of the cargo area 62. As such, it is conceivable that thelongitudinal length of the either or both of the first and second panels201, 202 may be lengthened to allow the second panel 202 to engage thefloor 20 of the cargo area 62, and thereby omit the third panel 204.

According to yet another embodiment of the vehicle load floor 10, asillustrated in FIG. 14, a foldable panel assembly 300 includes a firstpanel 302, a second panel 304, and a third panel 306 that are movablebetween a stored position 308 and a deployed position 310. The firstpanel 302 includes a substantially planar upper surface 312 havinglateral sidewalls 314 extending down from the opposing lateral edges 316of the upper surface 312. The sidewalls 314 of the first panel 302 eachinclude a pivot pin 318 extending orthogonally outward from thesidewalls 314 proximate the forward edge 320 of the first panel 302. Thepivot pins 318 are coaxially aligned with each other and are eachconfigured to pivotally couple with a bracket 320 that has a rotationaperture 322 adapted to receive the pivot pin 318. The rotationapertures 322 of the brackets 320 facilitate the pivotal engagementbetween the first panel 302 and the upper portion 24 of the seatback 14.It is further contemplated the various alternative pivotal couplings maybe employed between the first panel 302 and the seatback 14, asgenerally understood by one having ordinary skill in the art.

As further illustrate the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the second panel304 of the foldable panel assembly 300 has a substantially similar sizeto the first panel 302, but includes a slightly reduced longitudinallength to provide space proximate the forward end 324 of the panelassembly 300 in the stored position 308. The second panel 304 alsoincludes a substantially planar upper surface 326 having a lateral widthgenerally equivalent to the first panel 302. The third panel 306 alsoincludes a substantially planar upper surface 328 and a generallyequivalent width to the first and second panels 302, 304. Thelongitudinal length of the third panel 306, however, is substantiallyless than the first and second panels 302, 304 to provide an area forthe panel assembly 300 to move to the stored position 308. It isconceivable that the relative lengths and dimensions of the panelassembly 300 illustrated in FIG. 14 may vary to accommodate alternativeseat structures and load bearing desires.

Still referring to FIG. 14, a first hinge 330 is coupled between abottom surface 332 of the first panel 302 and a bottom surface 332 ofthe second panel 304. More specifically, a first spacer 334, having agenerally rectangular prism shape, is coupled with the bottom surface332 of the first panel 302 along the rear edge 336 of the first panel302. A first plate 338 of the first hinge 330 is coupled with a lowersurface 340 of the first spacer 334. Similarly, a second spacer 342,having a generally rectangular prism shape corresponding to the firstspacer 334, is coupled with the bottom surface 344 of the second panel304 along the front edge 346 of the second panel 304. A second plate 348of the first hinge 330 is coupled with a lower surface 350 of the secondspacer 342. The first and second spacers 334, 342 have a thickness thattogether is generally equal to or greater than the thickness of thethird panel 306, allowing the third panel 306 to reside between thefirst and second panels 302, 304 with the panel assembly 300 in thestored position 308, as shown FIG. 16. A hinge pin 352 extends throughand connects an edge portion 354 of the first and second plates 338, 348of the first hinge 330 to provide a pivotal coupling between the firstand second plates 338, 348. However, it is contemplated at the first andsecond panels 302, 304 may be configured such that the spacers 334, 342may have a lesser thickness. And further, it is conceivable that thespacers 334, 342 and components of the first hinge 330 may be anintegral piece of the first or second panel 302, 304. A second hinge 356is coupled between a bottom surface 358 of the third panel 306 and thebottom surface 344 of the second panel 304. The second hinge 356includes a first plate 360 coupled with the second panel 304 and asecond plate 362 coupled with the third panel 306. A hinge pin 364,similar to the first hinge 330, extends through an edge portion 366 ofthe first and second plates 360, 362 to provide a lateral pivotal axisbetween the second and third panels 304, 306. The first and secondhinges 330, 356 may conceivably include an alternative hingeconstruction, such as a living hinge or a segmented series of hinges, topivotally connect the bottom surfaces of the first, second, and thirdpanels 302, 304, 306. In addition, it is contemplated that components ofthe second hinge 356 may also be an integral piece of the second orthird panel 304, 306.

As shown in FIGS. 15-15A, the additional embodiment of the panelassembly 300 of vehicle load floor 10 is shown with the panel assembly300 in the stored position 308, wherein the second panel 304 is disposedbetween the first panel 302 and the seatback 14, and further, the thirdpanel 306 is disposed between the first panel 302 and the second panel304. As illustrated in FIGS. 16-16A, the panel assembly 300 is in thestored position 308 and the seatback 14 in the forward stowed position18. The panel assembly 300 in the stored position 308 is in abuttingcontact with the rear surface of the seatback 14. It is contemplatedthat the panel assembly 300 may be secured in the stored position 308with a retention feature, similar to the nylon strap shown in FIGS.11-11A that extends from the rear surface of the seatback 14 andconnects across the panel assembly 300.

The additional embodiment of the panel assembly 300, as shown in FIGS.17-17A, is partially deployed rearward. As shown, the first panel 302 ispivotally raised away from the rear surface 60 of the seatback 14 aboutthe pivot pins 318, allowing the second panel 304 to pivot forward aboutthe first hinge 330 away from the first panel 302, disengaging thebottom surface 332 of the first panel 302 with the upper surface 328 ofthe third panel 306. Further, after the second panel 304 is pivoted awayfrom the first panel 302, the third panel 306 is permitted to pivot awayfrom the second panel 304 about the second hinge 356, disengaging thebottom surfaces 344, 358 of the second and third panels 304, 306. It iscontemplated that in operation the user may manipulate the first andsecond panels 302, 304 in addition to the third panel 306 to move thepanel assembly 300 out of the stored position 308 (FIGS. 16-16A).

As shown in FIGS. 18-18A, the additional embodiment of the panelassembly 300 is deployed rearward and engaged with the cargo floor 20 todefine the support surface 28 in the deployed position 310. To completethe engagement, the second panel 304 is pivoted further away from thefirst panel 302 and the third panel 306 is pivoted further away from thesecond panel 304, placing the upper surfaces 312, 326, 328 of the first,second, and third panels 302, 304, 306 in substantially planaralignment. More specifically, the upper surfaces 312, 326, 328 of thefirst, second, and third panels 302, 304, 306 are placed in generallyplanar alignment with the top surface 72 of the cargo floor 20. Thefirst and second hinges 330, 356 are arranged on the bottom surfaces tovertically support the panel assembly 300 in the deployed position 310,such that the first, second, and third panels 302, 304, 306 are held inplanar alignment with support from the first and second hinges 330, 356.Also, in the deployed position 310, the substantially vertically planarrear edge 336 of the first panel 302 abuts the substantially verticallyplanar front edge 346 of the second panel 304 in compress to align thefirst and second panels 302, 304 in the deployed position 310, incombination with the first hinge 330 in tension between the first andsecond panels 302, 304. Likewise, the substantially vertically planarrear edge 370 of the second panel 304 and the substantially verticallyplanar forward edge 372 of the third panel 306 abut in compression tovertically support and align the second and third panels 304, 306 in thedeployed position 310, in combination with the second hinge 356 intension between the second and third panels 304, 306. Therefore, thepanel assembly 300 is supported in the deployed position 310 by havingthe vertical edges of the panels in compression with each other and thefirst and second hinges 330, 356 in tension.

As also illustrated in the additional embodiment of the panel assembly300 shown in FIGS. 18-18A, the rear edge 374 of the third panel 306engages and is supported by the ledge member 154 that is coupled withthe front wall 80 of the cargo area 62. Again, the ledge member 154 iscoupled at a distance below the top surface 72 of the elevated portion70 of the cargo floor 20 substantially equivalent to the thickness ofthe third panel 306, such that the upper surface 368 of the third panel306 is in generally planar alignment with the top surface 72.Accordingly, the support surface 28 in the additional embodiment isdefined by the aligned upper surfaces 312, 326, 368 of the first,second, and third panels 302, 304, 306. The support surface 28 is placedin planar alignment with the top surface 72 of the cargo floor 20 toprovide a substantially flat surface to support an object that ispreferably carried on such a flat surface and to support other types ofobjects. It is contemplated that the panel assembly 300 may be varied toinclude more or fewer panels to engage the floor 20 of the cargo area62. As such, it is conceivable that the longitudinal length of theeither or both of the first and second panels 302, 304 may be lengthenedto allow the second panel 304 to engage the floor 20 of the cargo area62, and thereby omit the third panel 306.

The described steps in moving the various embodiments of the panelassembly from the stored or retained position to the deployed positionmay be reversed to move the panel assembly back to the correspondingstored or retained positions. It is also contemplated that additionalpanels may be included to span between the cargo floor 20 and the upperportion 24 of the seatback 14 to provide a substantially planar supportsurface 28 to support a cargo item and to expand the usable cargo area62 of the vehicle. Also, it is contemplated that the first and secondpanel assemblies 54, 56 may be combined or further divided to correlatewith the split seatback arrangement.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described invention and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of theinvention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structure without departing from the conceptsof the present invention, and further it is to be understood that suchconcepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless theseclaims by their language expressly state otherwise.

We claim:
 1. A vehicle load floor assembly, comprising: a vehicle seathaving a seatback pivotal between upright and stowed positions; a cargofloor extending rearward from the seat; a first panel pivotally coupledwith a rear portion of the seatback and pivotal to a raised positionaway from the seatback in the stowed position; and a second panelcoupled with the first panel and deployable rearward to engage the cargofloor with the first panel in the raised position to define a supportsurface, wherein the second panel is slidably coupled with the firstpanel and slidable rearward from a stored position to a deployedposition.
 2. The vehicle load floor assembly of claim 1, wherein thecargo floor includes an elevated surface that is horizontally disposedabove and rearward from the seat.
 3. The vehicle load floor assembly ofclaim 2, wherein the support surface engages the cargo floor tosubstantially align with the elevated surface.
 4. The vehicle load floorassembly of claim 1, wherein the first panel pivots about a pivotalconnection disposed laterally on an upper portion of the seatback. 5.The vehicle load floor assembly of claim 1, wherein the support surfaceincludes a top surface of the first panel, and wherein the second panelis substantially disposed beneath the top surface in the storedposition.
 6. The vehicle load floor assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising: a third panel slidably coupled with the second panel andslidable rearward from the second panel in the deployed position toengage the cargo floor.
 7. A cargo area of a vehicle, comprising: aseatback pivotal between an upright position and a stowed position; afloor extending rearward from the seatback; and a panel assemblypivotally coupled with an upper portion of the seatback and having aplurality of panels configured to slidably deploy rearward to a deployedposition that engages the floor and defines a support surface when theseatback is in the stowed position.
 8. The cargo area of claim 7,wherein the plurality of panels includes a first panel pivotally coupledwith a rear portion of the seatback and pivotal to a raised positionaway from the seatback in the stowed position.
 9. The cargo area ofclaim 8, wherein the plurality of panels includes a second panelslidably engaged with the first panel and slidable between a storedposition and a deployed position extending rearward from the firstpanel.
 10. The cargo area of claim 7, wherein the floor includes anelevated surface that is raised and horizontally disposed rearward fromthe seatback.
 11. The cargo area of claim 10, wherein the supportsurface engages the floor to substantially align with the elevatedsurface.
 12. A vehicle load floor assembly, comprising: a seatbackpivotal forward to a stowed position; a floor extending rearward fromthe seatback; a first panel having a forward edge pivotally coupled witha rear portion of the seatback; and a second panel slidably coupled withthe first panel and slidable rearward from a rear edge of the firstpanel to a deployed position engaging the floor when the seatback is inthe stowed position.
 13. The vehicle load floor assembly of claim 12,wherein the floor includes an elevated surface that is raised andhorizontally disposed rearward from the seatback.
 14. The vehicle loadfloor assembly of claim 13, wherein the first and second panels define asupport surface for engaging the floor to substantially align thesupport surface with the elevated surface.
 15. The vehicle load floorassembly of claim 12, wherein the first panel pivots about a pivotalconnection disposed laterally on an upper portion of the seatback, andwherein the first panel is pivotal to a raised position away from alower portion of the seatback.
 16. The vehicle load floor assembly ofclaim 12, further comprising: a third panel slidably coupled with thesecond panel and slidable rearward from the second panel in the deployedposition to engage the cargo floor.